RN Programs in Louisiana
Ranked RN and BSN Programs in Louisiana
After evaluating 1,209 ADN, 794 BSN, 2,022 campus and 383 online RN programs, we ranked RN programs against criteria nurses found to be most valuable. We spent $27,700 on this unique list that has helped tens-of-thousands of nurses apply to the right program for their career goals. Find NCLEX passing scores, tuition rates, nursing program accreditation, institution accreditation and more. Explore our RN-ADN and RN-BSN rankings for Louisiana in the listings below.The Louisiana Center for Nursing reported that the state currently has 48,300 registered nurses. Even though most of the nurses work in hospitals, employment in hospitals is seeing a decline. Louisiana nurses can seek employment in physician’s offices as well as positions in long-term care. In Louisiana, a majority of nurses are over the age of 50 and will be retiring in the near future. Over time, there will be a strong demand for more nurses to fill the void. It is because of this that more qualified applicants are being accepted into both ADN and BSN degree programs.
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/logo_head.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN Programs in by RNCareers.org"){kind=logo}
Ranked Schools : 0
Evaluated Schools : 13
RN Programs in Louisiana
Nursing schools in Louisiana are flexible to meet the need of busy, working nurses. Programs can be completed online, in a traditional campus setting, and a combination of the two. Some classes a nurse can expect to take in a bachelor’s program may include:
- Administrative and management issues
- Ethical matters as related to legal and medical topics
- Statistical data as related to health problems
- Psychology
- Sociology
There are many nursing school options available and nurses are encouraged to research every option to find the best school possible.
RANKED N/A
![Louisiana Delta Community College RN Programs in LA [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/cds_screenshots/483212_sc.jpg "Louisiana Delta Community College RN Programs in LA [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana Delta Community College
- 7500 Millhaven Rd, Monroe, LA - 71203
- (866) 500-5322
- Campus: Monroe, LA
- Net Price: $16,515.00
- Enrollment: 3,949
- Transfer Out Rate: 5.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.50%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 20.18%
- Graduation Rate: 5.90%
- Median Borrowing: $4,750.00
- Median Payment: $49.60
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
![Louisiana State University-Alexandria RN Programs in LA [state_name]](https://i2.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/template1.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1 "Louisiana State University-Alexandria RN Programs in LA [state_name]")
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA - 71302-9121
- (318) 445-3672
- Campus: Alexandria, LA
- Net Price: $8,888.00
- Enrollment: 2,211
- Transfer Out Rate: 40.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.20%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 26.00%
- Graduation Rate: 20.10%
- Median Borrowing: $11,260.00
- Median Payment: $117.57
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana State University-Eunice
- 2048 Johnson Hwy, Eunice, LA - 70535
- (337) 457-7311
- Campus: Eunice, LA
- Net Price: $7,340.00
- Enrollment: 2,673
- Transfer Out Rate: 47.70%
- Loan Default Rate: 16.30%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 40.67%
- Graduation Rate: 10.00%
- Median Borrowing: $7,704.00
- Median Payment: $80.44
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana Tech University
- 305 Wisteria, Ruston, LA - 71272
- (318) 257-2000
- Campus: Ruston, LA
- Net Price: $9,137.00
- Enrollment: 9,245
- Transfer Out Rate: 32.40%
- Loan Default Rate: 7.50%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 14.86%
- Graduation Rate: 49.90%
- Median Borrowing: $14,691.00
- Median Payment: $153.39
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
McNeese State University
- 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA - 70605
- (337) 475-5000
- Campus: Lake Charles, LA
- Net Price: $7,958.00
- Enrollment: 7,575
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.90%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 19.04%
- Graduation Rate: 37.40%
- Median Borrowing: $13,217.00
- Median Payment: $138.00
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
- (318) 357-6011
- Campus: Natchitoches, LA
- Net Price: $7,950.00
- Enrollment: 7,836
- Loan Default Rate: 12.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.14%
- Graduation Rate: 38.40%
- Median Borrowing: $16,636.00
- Median Payment: $173.70
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Our Lady of the Lake College
- 5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA - 70808
- (225) 768-1700
- Campus: Baton Rouge, LA
- Net Price: $14,632.00
- Enrollment: 1,486
- Loan Default Rate: 7.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 45.36%
- Graduation Rate: 35.90%
- Median Borrowing: $18,500.00
- Median Payment: $193.16
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
L E Fletcher Technical Community College
- 1407 Highway 311, Schriever, LA - 70395
- (985) 448-7900
- Campus: Schriever, LA
- Net Price: $9,266.00
- Enrollment: 1,968
- Transfer Out Rate: 5.60%
- Institution Accreditation: COE, SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 20.32%
- Graduation Rate: 15.00%
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Southern University at Shreveport
- 3050 Martin Luther King Dr, Shreveport, LA - 71107
- (318) 670-6000
- Campus: Shreveport, LA
- Net Price: $8,320.00
- Enrollment: 3,018
- Loan Default Rate: 19.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 12.51%
- Graduation Rate: 15.50%
- Median Borrowing: $9,000.00
- Median Payment: $93.97
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
![Baton Rouge Community College RN Programs in LA [state_name]](https://www.rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/cds_screenshots/437103_sc.jpg "Baton Rouge Community College RN Programs in LA [state_name]")
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Baton Rouge Community College
- 201 Community College Drive, Baton Rouge, LA - 70806
- (225) 216-8000
- Campus: Baton Rouge, LA
- Net Price: $8,400.00
- Enrollment: 8,043
- Loan Default Rate: 32.80%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -1.20%
- Graduation Rate: 4.70%
- Median Borrowing: $5,001.00
- Median Payment: $52.22
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Bossier Parish Community College
- 6220 East Texas, Bossier City, LA - 71111-6922
- (3.1) 867-9E+13
- Campus: Bossier City, LA
- Net Price: $8,022.00
- Enrollment: 8,464
- Transfer Out Rate: 15.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 5.71%
- Graduation Rate: 11.50%
- Median Borrowing: $9,009.00
- Median Payment: $94.06
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
South Louisiana Community College
- 320 Devalcourt Street, Lafayette, LA - 70506-2030
- (337) 521-8896
- Campus: Lafayette, LA
- Net Price: $7,344.00
- Enrollment: 4,593
- Transfer Out Rate: 9.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 24.50%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 70.67%
- Graduation Rate: 6.30%
- Median Borrowing: $1,750.00
- Median Payment: $18.27
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) :
RANKED N/A
ADN
Overall Score: N/A
Delgado Community College
- 615 City Park Ave, New Orleans, LA - 70119
- (504) 671-5000
- Campus: New Orleans, LA
- Net Price: $6,846.00
- Enrollment: 18,698
- Transfer Out Rate: 14.80%
- Loan Default Rate: 17.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 13.48%
- Graduation Rate: 10.00%
- Median Borrowing: $9,500.00
- Median Payment: $99.19
- Award Levels: Associate
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Louisiana | BSN Programs in Louisiana | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Louisiana RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
Prior to graduation, nurses should begin the steps towards licensure. The candidate will apply to the board and register to Pearson VUE, which is the company that administers the NCLEX exam. The exam can be scheduled after the candidate receives the authorization to test (ATT). The Louisiana State Board of Nurses may grant candidates a temporary permit when they registered with Pearson. In the case the candidates fail an examination the permit will become no longer valid. If clinical work was completed in Louisiana, fingerprints will not be required. The only online program for initial licensure that is accepted is Excelsior College. This requires a $100 application fee and $42.50 fingerprinting fee as well as the $200 NCLEX exam. Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX will be required to complete a retake request along with a $100 money order.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in Louisiana by endorsement. There is a $142.50 application fee for the endorsement if the application is sent in by mail. The fee will increase to $152.50 if the application is brought in and fingerprints are done on site. Candidates who wish to work under a temporary permit will have to pay $192.50 for mailed in applications and $202.50 for applications turned in on site. In case of a disaster or emergency, out-of-state nurses may be granted a disaster permit to work as a volunteer or paid employee.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
International registered nurses are required to take the CGFNS qualifying exam unless the NCLEX has already been passed. Candidates may also be required to take the TOEFL to prove English competency.
Helpful Nursing Resources
![[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org](https://i0.wp.com/rncareers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/BSNseal-1.png?w=1080&ssl=1 "[state_name] Best Ranked RN and BSN Programs in by RNCareers.org")
Ranked Schools : 0
Evaluated Schools : 15
BSN Programs in Louisiana
Louisiana has 25 accredited nursing schools that offer RN to BSN on campus and online, as well as 3 to 4 year on campus BSN degrees. The programs are highly competitive and admissions can be dependent on completing 28-34 hours of prerequisite courses with a “B” or better. An 80% cumulative score on the HESI Admission Assessment Exam A2. A proctored essay or personal essay may be required. An applicant will have an interview prior to admission for many programs. A Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen will be required. Application to the program will require a $62.50 fee to the Board of Nursing. Upon graduation the student will be required to apply for state licensure. There is a $100.00 fee and the NCLEXRN exam fee of $200.00. Elective courses can include: Fine Arts/Dance, Drama/Theatre, and Music.
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Southern University and A & M College
- Southern Branch Post Office, Baton Rouge, LA - 70813
- (225) 771-4500
- Campus: Baton Rouge, LA
- Net Price: $14,305.00
- Enrollment: 5,746
- Loan Default Rate: 9.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 39.26%
- Graduation Rate: 31.80%
- Median Borrowing: $24,549.00
- Median Payment: $256.32
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center-New Orleans
- 433 Bolivar St, New Orleans, LA - 70112-2223
- (504) 568-4808
- Campus: New Orleans, LA
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- 104 University Circle, Lafayette, LA - 70503
- (377) 482-1000
- Campus: Lafayette, LA
- Net Price: $7,920.00
- Enrollment: 15,053
- Loan Default Rate: 9.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 51.35%
- Graduation Rate: 44.80%
- Median Borrowing: $13,340.00
- Median Payment: $139.28
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana State University-Alexandria
- 8100 Hwy 71 South, Alexandria, LA - 71302-9121
- (318) 445-3672
- Campus: Alexandria, LA
- Net Price: $8,888.00
- Enrollment: 2,211
- Transfer Out Rate: 40.30%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.20%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 26.00%
- Graduation Rate: 20.10%
- Median Borrowing: $11,260.00
- Median Payment: $117.57
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- 700 University Avenue, Monroe, LA - 71209-0000
- (318) 342-1000
- Campus: Monroe, LA
- Net Price: $7,162.00
- Enrollment: 7,276
- Loan Default Rate: 10.70%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: -8.12%
- Graduation Rate: 40.30%
- Median Borrowing: $12,500.00
- Median Payment: $130.51
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Louisiana College
- 1140 College Dr, Pineville, LA - 71359
- (318) 487-7011
- Campus: Pineville, LA
- Net Price: $13,784.00
- Enrollment: 1,116
- Loan Default Rate: 10.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 13.80%
- Graduation Rate: 42.50%
- Median Borrowing: $13,500.00
- Median Payment: $140.96
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Loyola University New Orleans
- 6363 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA - 70118-6143
- (504) 865-2011
- Campus: New Orleans, LA
- Net Price: $23,419.00
- Enrollment: 2,946
- Loan Default Rate: 5.30%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 2.68%
- Graduation Rate: 54.90%
- Median Borrowing: $22,240.00
- Median Payment: $232.21
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
McNeese State University
- 4205 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA - 70605
- (337) 475-5000
- Campus: Lake Charles, LA
- Net Price: $7,958.00
- Enrollment: 7,575
- Transfer Out Rate: 20.00%
- Loan Default Rate: 12.90%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 19.04%
- Graduation Rate: 37.40%
- Median Borrowing: $13,217.00
- Median Payment: $138.00
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Nicholls State University
- University Station La Hwy 1, Thibodaux, LA - 70310
- (877) 642-4655
- Campus: Thibodaux, LA
- Net Price: $8,850.00
- Enrollment: 5,888
- Transfer Out Rate: 27.90%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.60%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 35.49%
- Graduation Rate: 42.00%
- Median Borrowing: $12,250.00
- Median Payment: $127.90
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
- University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA - 71497-0002
- (318) 357-6011
- Campus: Natchitoches, LA
- Net Price: $7,950.00
- Enrollment: 7,836
- Loan Default Rate: 12.60%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 0.14%
- Graduation Rate: 38.40%
- Median Borrowing: $16,636.00
- Median Payment: $173.70
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN, CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Our Lady of Holy Cross College
- 4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA - 70131-7399
- (504) 394-7744
- Campus: New Orleans, LA
- Net Price: $11,003.00
- Enrollment: 878
- Loan Default Rate: 5.50%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus, Online
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: -36.34%
- Graduation Rate: 28.00%
- Median Borrowing: $22,000.00
- Median Payment: $229.71
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
ADN / BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Our Lady of the Lake College
- 5414 Brittany Dr, Baton Rouge, LA - 70808
- (225) 768-1700
- Campus: Baton Rouge, LA
- Net Price: $14,632.00
- Enrollment: 1,486
- Loan Default Rate: 7.10%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 45.36%
- Graduation Rate: 35.90%
- Median Borrowing: $18,500.00
- Median Payment: $193.16
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Dillard University
- 2601 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA - 70122
- (504) 816-4640
- Campus: New Orleans, LA
- Net Price: $16,461.00
- Enrollment: 1,183
- Loan Default Rate: 11.40%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Private Not-For-Profit
- Net Price Change: 33.23%
- Graduation Rate: 45.70%
- Median Borrowing: $19,661.00
- Median Payment: $205.28
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Southeastern Louisiana University
- 548 Ned McGehee Ave., Hammond, LA - 70402
- (985) 549-2000
- Campus: Hammond, LA
- Net Price: $8,886.00
- Enrollment: 13,730
- Transfer Out Rate: 33.60%
- Loan Default Rate: 8.70%
- Institution Accreditation: SACS COC
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 19.44%
- Graduation Rate: 35.60%
- Median Borrowing: $12,250.00
- Median Payment: $127.90
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : CCNE
RANKED N/A
BSN
Overall Score: N/A
Grambling State University
- 403 Main Street, Grambling, LA - 71245
- (318) 247-3811
- Campus: Grambling, LA
- Net Price: $14,373.00
- Enrollment: 4,155
- Loan Default Rate: 16.20%
- Programs: Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Offered as: Campus
- Type: Public
- Net Price Change: 38.96%
- Graduation Rate: 30.90%
- Median Borrowing: $27,956.00
- Median Payment: $291.89
- Award Levels: Bachelor
- Program Accreditation(s) : ACEN
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 2,401 Nursing Schools, 50 State Boards of Nursing, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
See our methodology for ranking ADN and BSN programs.
Find RN Programs in Louisiana | BSN Programs in Louisiana | RN Programs in the United States | LPN to RN Program Guide: LPN to RN Guide | LPN to BSN Program Guide: LPN to BSN Program Guide | RN to BSN Program Guide RN to BSN Program Guide | RN Jobs RN Jobs
Louisiana RN Licensing Requirements
RN Licensure by Exam
Prior to graduation, nurses should begin the steps towards licensure. The candidate will apply to the board and register to Pearson VUE, which is the company that administers the NCLEX exam. The exam can be scheduled after the candidate receives the authorization to test (ATT). The Louisiana State Board of Nurses may grant candidates a temporary permit when they registered with Pearson. In the case the candidates fail an examination the permit will become no longer valid. If clinical work was completed in Louisiana, fingerprints will not be required. The only online program for initial licensure that is accepted is Excelsior College. This requires a $100 application fee and $42.50 fingerprinting fee as well as the $200 NCLEX exam. Candidates who do not pass the NCLEX will be required to complete a retake request along with a $100 money order.
RN Licensure by Endorsement
Nurses who have obtained licensure in one of the other 50 states may obtain licensure in Louisiana by endorsement. There is a $142.50 application fee for the endorsement if the application is sent in by mail. The fee will increase to $152.50 if the application is brought in and fingerprints are done on site. Candidates who wish to work under a temporary permit will have to pay $192.50 for mailed in applications and $202.50 for applications turned in on site. In case of a disaster or emergency, out-of-state nurses may be granted a disaster permit to work as a volunteer or paid employee.
RN License for Nurses Educated Abroad
International registered nurses are required to take the CGFNS qualifying exam unless the NCLEX has already been passed. Candidates may also be required to take the TOEFL to prove English competency.
Helpful Nursing Resources
Louisiana RN Job Outlook
Nurses in Louisiana earn a median annual salary of almost $62,000. The salary increases with education and experience. Nurses who have obtained a bachelors degree or higher are likely to be more experiences with:
- Administration and leadership positions
- Researching statistical data
- Positions dealing with ethics
- Writing and implementing policy
An RN to BSN degree program can be completed in about 12 months. This is dependent on the program the nurse chooses. The programs are designed to meet the need of busy nurses to help encourage more baccalaureate prepared nurses.
Louisiana Nursing Jobs
Louisiana Registered Nursing Salaries
The New Orleans metropolitan area has the largest amount of registered nurses employed than any other area in Louisiana. It should not come as a surprise then that the same area has the highest hourly mean wage and annual median wage.
| Area name | Employment | Hourly median wage | Annual median wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | 2,300 | $28.01 | $58,250 |
| Baton Rouge, LA | 7,460 | $27.50 | $57,200 |
| Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, LA | 1,360 | $28.02 | $58,270 |
| Lafayette, LA | 2,650 | $27.11 | $56,390 |
| Lake Charles, LA | 1,710 | $28.36 | $58,990 |
| Monroe, LA | 1,740 | $25.96 | $54,000 |
| New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner, LA | 12,450 | $30.54 | $63,520 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | 4,290 | $27.48 | $57,160 |
| Hammond nonmetropolitan area | 1,530 | $25.67 | $53,380 |
| Natchitoches nonmetropolitan area | 1,680 | $27.17 | $56,510 |
| Winnsboro nonmetropolitan area | 1,620 | $26.44 | $54,980 |
| New Iberia nonmetropolitan area | 1,660 | $27.13 | $56,430 |
Source: http://www.dol.gov/, 2014 Data